The title of our School magazine is a name for seafaring men which has been in popular use for many years. About three centuries ago 'Jack' was a shortened name for Jacket. In the old days a sailor would tar his trousers and jacket or 'Jack' in order to make them waterproof.

As a result of this the nick-name of Jack Tar originated. I came across this information in a book published by Sampson Low Ltd., before the last war. It was written by an old shipmate of mine, Commander R. G. Lowry, R.N.

There is a chapter which deals fully with the introduction and development of uniform in the Royal Navy. Reference is made to the origin of the garment known as a 'Blazer'. The idea started in 1845 when the captain of H.M.S. Blazer had his gigs crew wearing striped blue and white jackets. A desire for uniformity was carried to extremes by at least one captain in the early part of last century. One morning the stroke oar of his galley's crew had a black eye, and the other members of the crew were required to paint one eye black to match.

It is interesting to compare conditions in our Modern Navy with those endured in bygone days. There were, for instance, some difficulties about payment of ships' companies. In the early days neither officers nor men were paid at all until a ship 'Paid Off hence the term.

In the latter part of the eighteenth century there were several cases of very long service commissions, during which the ship's company were not paid. The ships were on the East Indies Station, H.M.S. Fox for fifteen years', H.M.S. Rattlesnake fourteen years', and H.M.S. Centurion for eleven years' commission.

Recruiting staffs would have difficulty if such conditions existed today. There would not be much appeal in a poster which read 'Join the Navy and see the world-good pay awaiting you when you return in about fifteen years' time'.

E. S. F.

The area of Spice Island, in Old Portsmouth, seems to have been a favourite recruiting area due to the large number of pubs, hostelries and other establishments that Lt Andrew Miller operated around. It is assumed that he and his nefarious activities gave rise to the term 'The Andrew' meaning the British Navy.